Cross-tube attachment hook features for modular assembly and support

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. An attachment bracket is coupled to an underside of the seat and includes forwardly-extending hook features. Each hook feature defines a receiving aperture to receive a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold is disposed over each hook feature. A downwardly-extending retention member is disposed between the hook features. Rear support hooks are configured to engage a rear cross-tube of the seat as a seat carrier is rotated downwardly into position during manufacture.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a seating assembly, and more particularly to cross-tube attachment hook features for modular assembly and support for a seating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Seating assemblies typically include a seatback to support a back of an occupant in an upright sitting position and various reclined positions. Similar to other portions of a seating assembly, seatbacks are commonly designed to support an occupant in the upright sitting position upon acceleration, change in direction, and collision of the vehicle. Accordingly, seatbacks are substantially rigid and sizeable in construction.

Traditional vehicle seating has frequently included a seat frame that supports a matrix of springs that support a thick cushion thereon. Newer constructions having climate control features add to the bulk. These constructions are generally very thick and heavy, which result in decreased interior space in a vehicle, as well as loss of fuel efficiency as a result of the added weight of the seating system.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. An attachment bracket is coupled to an underside of the seat and includes forwardly-extending hook features. Each hook feature defines a receiving aperture to receive a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold is disposed over each hook feature. A downwardly-extending retention member is disposed between the hook features. Rear support hooks are configured to engage a rear cross-tube of the seat as a seat carrier is rotated downwardly into position during manufacture.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seating assembly includes a seat. First and second forward hook features receive a front cross-tube of a seat frame. A downwardly-extending retention member is disposed between the hook features. Rear support hooks engage a rear cross-tube of the seat as a seat carrier is rotated downwardly into position about the front cross-tube during manufacture.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a vehicle seating assembly includes constructing a seat. Forwardly-extending hook features of an attachment bracket operably couple with a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold is secured on each hook feature. A downwardly-extending retention member is provided proximate each hook feature. Each hook feature is engaged with a front cross-tube of a seat frame. The hook features and the seat are rotated so that rear hook features engage a rear cross-tube of the seat frame.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a seating assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front perspective view of the seating assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a seat frame of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a seat of the present disclosure with a cushion assembly removed;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a carrier and suspension assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a front assembly bracket of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a front assembly bracket;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side elevational view of the front assembly bracket of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a connecting feature of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the connecting feature of FIG. 9, with the connecting feature in an open position;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the connecting feature of FIG. 9 with the connecting feature in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the connecting feature of FIG. 9 after engagement with a front cross-tube;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a rear assembly bracket;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the rear assembly bracket of FIG. 13 with a tab end operably coupled with a seat carrier;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the rear assembly bracket of FIG. 13 with the tab end of the rear assembly bracket operably coupled with the seat carrier and in a closed position;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a seat portion of the seating assembly prior to engagement of the seat with the seating assembly;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the seat after engagement with the rear cross-tube of the seating assembly;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the seat after engagement with the rear cross-tube; and

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the seating assembly after the seat has been installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to the embodiment generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-19, reference numeral 10 generally designates a seating assembly including a seat 12 and a seatback 13. A front assembly bracket 14 is coupled to an underside of the seat 12 and includes a rearward retention member 18 that defines a receiving aperture 20 to receive a front cross-tube 22. A polymeric overmold 24 is disposed over each rearward retention member 18. The front assembly bracket 14 also includes a forward retention member 26 that is operable between open and closed positions and is disposed proximate the rearward retention member 18. A rear assembly bracket 28 includes a tab end 30 operably coupled with the seat 12. The rear assembly bracket 28 also includes a rounded body 32 configured to engage a rear cross-tube 34 and a fastener end 36 is configured to secure the rear assembly bracket 28 against the rear cross-tube 34.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the seating assembly 10 may be used in any vehicle 40, such as a car, a truck, a van, etc. It is also contemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure may be utilized in a front or forward position of the vehicle 40 as well as a rear or rearward position of the vehicle 40. The seating assembly 10, as illustrated, includes a seat base 42 that is positioned on rail slides 44 to allow fore and aft movement of the seating assembly 10 relative to the vehicle 40. The seat 12 is operably coupled with the seat base 42 and is movable relative thereto, as set forth in further detail below. A seating surface of the seat 12 is generally configured to support an occupant. In addition, the seatback 13 of the seating assembly 10 includes a frame 47 that provides support to a lower lumbar region 48 and an upper thoracic region 49, as well as a head restraint 45. Each of the components of the seatback 13 may be configured for adjustability to properly support the weight of various occupants inside the vehicle 40.

With reference now to FIGS. 3-5, the seating assembly 10 includes first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 supported on a seat carrier 53. The seat carrier 53 includes sidewalls 51 with rear vertical support flanges 55. The seat carrier 53 also includes an arcuate rear wall 57 configured to abut a top portion of the front cross-tube 22. Each of the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 is disposed next to a side bolster support 54. The side bolster supports 54 include attachment features 56 for receiving a cushion assembly 60 thereon. A suspension assembly 62 is disposed below the cushion assembly 60 between the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 and the arcuate rear wall 57. The rear cross-member 64 receives ends of the suspension assembly 62. The suspension assembly 62 includes first and second elongate spring members 66, 68 that include a midportion 70 operably coupled with a retainer 72 proximate each of the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52. Each of the first and second elongate spring members 66, 68 includes a variety of fastener members 76 configured to attach various components below the seating assembly 10. In addition, a midportion of the seat 12 includes a receiving ring 78 defining an aperture 80 for receiving a climate control member duct or fan.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the seating assembly 10 is illustrated with the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 removed. The first and second elongate spring members 66, 68 are illustrated, which are configured to support the buttocks of an occupant. The front assembly bracket 14 is operably coupled with the seating assembly 10 and disposed above the front cross-tube 22 below the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52. The front assembly bracket 14 is coupled with a forward portion of the seat carrier 53.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, the front assembly bracket 14 includes a body portion 90 that extends generally laterally and is configured for attachment with the seat 12 at rearward pivot locations 92. A rear portion of the front assembly bracket 14 includes a rearward vertical support wall 94, which adds rigidity to the front assembly bracket 14. The front assembly bracket 14 also includes sidewalls 95. The front assembly bracket 14 includes a receiving aperture 96 configured for secure engagement with a fastener 98 of the rearward retention member 18.

The front assembly bracket 14 also includes receiving apertures 101 configured to receive forwardly-extending hook features 102. In the illustrated embodiment, there are first and second forwardly-extending hook features 102. However, it will be understood there could be more or less forwardly-extending hook features 102 than illustrated herein. The forwardly-extending hook features 102 are configured to engage the front cross-tube 22 to allow for rotation of the seat 12 in a downward position until the seat 12 has securely engaged the frame 47 of the seat 12. The front assembly bracket 14 also includes protrusions that extend upwardly from the body portion 90 and are configured to securely retain up-stops 106 that prevent the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 from over-rotating upward. The forwardly-extending hook features 102 each define a receiving aperture to receive the front cross-tube 22. In addition, each of the forwardly-extending hook features 102 includes a polymeric overmold to minimize buzz, rattle, and squeak concerns. The forwardly-extending hook features 102 also include a plurality of reinforcement ribs 110 configured to engage a top portion of the front cross-tube 22. Notably, the plurality of reinforcement ribs 110 are defined in a portion of the overmold that is disposed within the receiving aperture of the forwardly-extending hook features 102. However, it is contemplated that the plurality of reinforcement ribs 110 may be formed in the front assembly bracket 14 or as part of the forwardly-extending hook features 102.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-12, the rearward retention member 18 and the forward retention member 26 are illustrated. The rearward retention member 18 defines a receiving aperture 100 configured to engage the front cross-tube 22 in a similar fashion to the forwardly-extending hook features 102. However, the rearward retention member 18 is configured to cradle the front cross-tube 22 and maintain secure engagement with the front cross-tube 22 after assembly of the seat 12. This is accomplished by engagement of the rearward retention member 18 with the forward retention member 26.

The rearward retention member 18 includes an upper mounting body 120 with a fastener aperture 122 disposed therein and a lower arcuate portion 124 designed to receive the front cross-tube 22. The polymeric overmold 24 extends over the arcuate portion 124. A forward end of the arcuate portion 124 includes a lower wall 126 having a fastener aperture 127 configured to receive a fastener. The forward retention member 26 is disposed in front of the rearward retention member 18 and is operable between open and closed positions. The forward retention member 26 includes a polymeric overmold 130 proximate an arcuate portion 132 thereof. A lower wall 134 extends downwardly from the arcuate portion 132 and includes a fastener aperture 136 generally aligned with the fastener aperture 127 of the lower wall 126 of the rearward retention member 18. An engagement head 140 is disposed above the arcuate portion 132 and is configured for linear translation fore and aft within an opening 142 defined in a recess 143 of the front assembly bracket 14. The engagement head 140, along with the arcuate portion 132, define receiving slots 144 that engage the front assembly bracket 14. When properly engaged, the engagement head 140 extends through the opening 142 and the arcuate portion 132 extends below the front assembly bracket 14. Thus, the forward retention member 26 can be moved forward and rearward and also pivoted into contact with the rearward retention member 18 to retain the front cross-tube 22 during assembly.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the forward retention member 26 is in a rearward position and configured for engagement with the rearward retention member 18. Upon movement forward and rotation downward of the forward retention member 26, the lower wall 126 of the forward retention member 26 and the lower wall 134 of the rearward retention member 18 are in abutment, such that the fastener apertures 136, 127, respectively, of each are aligned and configured to receive a fastener. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the front cross-tube 22 is not illustrated. However, it will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the front cross-tube 22 would extend through the receiving aperture 20 defined between the rearward retention member 18 and the forward retention number 26.

With reference now to FIGS. 13-15, the seating assembly 10 also utilizes the rear assembly bracket 28 to securely engage the seat 12 with the seating assembly 10. The rear assembly bracket 28, as disclosed above, includes the tab end 30, which is operably coupled with the seat 12. More specifically, the tab end 30 engages the rear wall 57 of the seat carrier 53. The tab end 30 extends through a slot 150 and is adjustable within the slot 150. The rear assembly bracket 28 also includes the rounded body 32 that is configured to engage the rear cross-tube 34. The fastener end 36 of the rear assembly bracket 28 is configured to securely engage with an engagement tab 152 extending from the rear wall 57 of the seat 12. In use, the tab end 30 extends through the slot 150 in the rear wall 57 of the seat carrier 53 of the seat 12 and rotates within the slot 150 until the rounded body 32 of the rear assembly bracket 28 abuts against the rear cross-tube 34. Upon full rotation, the fastener end 36 abuts the engagement tab 152 extending from the rear wall 57 of the seat carrier 53 until a fastener 154 can be extended through a fastener aperture 156 of the engagement tab 152 and a fastener aperture 158 of the fastener end 36 (FIG. 15). Once securely engaged, the seat carrier 53, and consequently the seat 12, are ready for use.

During the manufacturing process, the seat carrier 53 and the seat 12 are prepared for engagement with the seat frame 47. The forwardly-extending hook features 102 are positioned on the front cross-tube 22. The seat 12 is then rotated downward into position until a rear engagement channel of the seat carrier 53 engages the rear cross-tube 34. Once engaged, the rear assembly bracket 28 is rotated into position until the fastener end 36 is in abutting engagement with a tab on the seat carrier 53. A mechanical fastener is then extended through the fastener end 36 and the tab.

At a front end of the seat 12, the forward retention member 26 is rotated downward into position such that the lower wall 134 of the forward retention member 26 is in abutting contact with the lower wall 126 of the rearward retention member 18. A mechanical fastener is then positioned through the fastener aperture 127 of the rearward retention member 18 and through the fastener aperture 136 of the forward retention member 26. The seat carrier 53, and consequently the seat 12, are now secured to the seating assembly 10 and ready for use.

This construction provides a quick and safe manner of attaching a seat carrier and seat to a seating assembly during the manufacturing process. Minimal fasteners are required and the assembly can be done in a minimal amount of time.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seat comprising: an attachment bracket coupled to an underside of the seat and including forwardly-extending hook features, each hook feature defining a receiving aperture to receive a front cross-tube; a polymeric overmold disposed over each hook feature; a downwardly-extending retention member disposed between the hook features; and rear support hooks configured to engage a rear cross-tube of the seat as a seat carrier is rotated downwardly into position during manufacture.
 2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the forwardly-extending hook features include a plurality of ribs.
 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment bracket includes first and second forwardly-extending hook features.
 4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 3, wherein each hook feature is proximate an independently moveable thigh support of the seat.
 5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1 further comprising: an upwardly-extending up-stop disposed on the attachment bracket.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a rearward vertical support wall extending downwardly from a rear portion of the attachment bracket.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising: sidewalls extending upwardly from side portions of the attachment bracket.
 8. A seating assembly comprising: a seat; first and second forward hook features receiving a front cross-tube of a seat frame; a downwardly-extending retention member disposed between the hook features; and rear support hooks engaging a rear cross-tube of the seat as a seat carrier is rotated downwardly into position about the front cross-tube during manufacture.
 9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, further comprising: an opening defined in each of the first and second forward hook features.
 10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein each hook feature includes a lateral body portion and vertical sidewalls.
 11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second forward hook features are operably coupled with an attachment bracket that extends across a seating surface.
 12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the attachment bracket includes first and second forwardly-extending hook features.
 13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, further comprising: an upwardly-extending up-stop disposed on the attachment bracket.
 14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a rearward vertical support wall extending downwardly from a rear portion of the attachment bracket.
 15. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 12, further comprising: sidewalls extending upwardly from side portions of the attachment bracket.
 16. A method of manufacturing a vehicle seating assembly comprising: constructing a seat; operably coupling forwardly-extending hook features of an attachment bracket with a front cross-tube; securing a polymeric overmold on each hook feature; providing a downwardly-extending retention member proximate each hook feature; engaging each hook feature with a front cross-tube of a seat frame; and rotating the hook features and the seat so that rear hook features engage a rear cross-tube of the seat frame.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: providing first and second hook features on the attachment bracket.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: forming sidewalls that extend from side portions of the front assembly bracket.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: forming each hook feature to have a lateral body portion and vertical sidewalls.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: forming an opening in each of the first and second hook features. 